T ehran [Iran], October 12 : In a definitive declaration outlining Tehran’s diplomatic stance, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei asserted that while Iran is willing to engage in nuclear negotiations with the United States, it will not reset the clock on past grievances or ignore the changing realities on the ground. Speaking on Monday against the backdrop of heightened Middle East tensions and ongoing economic sanctions, Baghaei firmly rejected the idea that diplomacy can simply return to its original baseline. "We will never go back to square one. Can you ignore the experiences of the past two years and then say that we are back to square one? Every day that passes, we will definitely use its experience, both in terms of strengthening our own capabilities and in terms of learning from the other side’s lapses," he said. Baghaei emphasised that Tehran has not walked away from the negotiating table, framing diplomacy as an integral tool alongside national defence. "We are so confident that we will never run away from the negotiating table and diplomacy. Diplomacy is as important to us as the battlefield and war. We will definitely use the tools of diplomacy, wherever necessary and wherever possible, to secure our interests," said Baghaei. However, he pointed out a direct contradiction in Western strategy, arguing that military pressure, sanctions, and economic warfare undermine the genuine spirit of negotiations. "The party that should be solely blamed and held accountable for this situation is the party that destroyed the negotiating table in the middle of the negotiations and continues to insist on its previous excesses. How can one claim to negotiate and be diplomatic, while they have escalated the economic war, have practically maintained the conditions of war, and then claim that they are seeking negotiations?" questioned Baghaei. Addressing Western anxieties over Iran’s potential departure from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), Baghaei noted that international inaction following attacks on Iranian peaceful nuclear infrastructure has fueled debate within the country. "Why are they worried? There is no point in worrying. They have created this concern themselves. Self-inflicted is not a tactic," he said. He added that those responsible for undermining global non-proliferation norms must be held accountable. "Those who themselves have caused the weakening of the foundations of the non-proliferation regime must answer this question; not only in Iran, but in the entire region and globally," said Baghaei. Responding to reports that the pre-war "Cairo Agreement", a framework negotiated between Iran's Foreign Minister and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief, could serve as a roadmap to break the deadlock, Baghaei signalled that the window for that arrangement had closed. "The Cairo Agreement, which is now part of history, the opposing parties did not really appreciate its opportunity," said Baghaei. Regarding third-party mediation, while Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the Iranian nuclear situation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and subsequently US President Donald Trump, Baghaei reiterated the established official channels for US-Iran communications. "We have always welcomed the wonderful efforts of friendly countries; But as you know, technically and in the strict sense of the word, Pakistan and Qatar continue to play the role of mediator between Iran and the United States," added Baghaei. The spokesperson's remarks follow parallel political developments. Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed during discussions that "the scope for diplomacy on Iran is far from exhausted" and called an agreement both possible and necessary. US President Donald Trump noted that the conflict with Iran would conclude "very soon," either through continued military pressure or an agreement on Washington's terms, reiterating that "Iran will never have a nuclear weapon". Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei stated that while the US addressed some of Iran's seven conditions regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, Washington's overall response remained "inadequate". Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor

O n Monday, 12th October, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant declined a request from Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge for a meeting, saying that discussing matters already pending before the Supreme Court would go against judicial propriety and the constitutional principle of separation of powers. In a letter to Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and Congress president, the CJI said the issues raised by them were already being considered by the court. He advised the leaders to approach the Supreme Court through a formal petition instead of submitting a memorandum through its administrative channel. The development comes as leaders of the INDIA bloc prepare to march to the Supreme Court to file a petition against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities and claims of "vote chori". CJI Surya Kant had written to Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi on 11th October. "...convening a meeting to discuss pending cases would wholly contravene the principle of Separation of Powers, an intrinsic facet of the basic structure doctrine of… pic.twitter.com/wcEk5N3KDO — ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2026 Justice Surya Kant also clarified that the Supreme Court did not have administrative powers to deal with the concerns raised in the letter. However, he said the court could examine issues affecting citizens' rights through judicial proceedings. "In this vein, I also wish to remind you that within our constitutional framework, the Supreme Court of India is not endowed with any administrative powers to deal with the issues highlighted in your letter," he said. The CJI added that the court had a responsibility to consider such matters under its constitutional powers. "However, in the exercise of our jurisdiction under Article 32 of our Constitution, along with other plenary powers, including that of judicial review, we are duty-bound to consider on judicial side the gravamen of issues affecting the citizens of India," Justice Surya Kant added. Reiterating the court's commitment to protecting fundamental rights, he said citizens could approach the Supreme Court whenever they needed legal protection. "The Supreme Court of India reiterates its commitment to preserve and protect the Fundamental Rights of every citizen of India and that they are entitled to seek enforcement of such rights at all hours through the procedure known in law," he said. He advised Gandhi and Kharge to use the judicial process to raise their concerns. "It would thus be more appropriate on your part to invoke the judicial powers of the Supreme Court of India, instead of submitting a memorandum on the administrative side," the letter added. CJI says meeting would violate Judicial Propriety Speaking to reporters after attending the National Human Rights Commission's 33rd Foundation Day function, Justice Surya Kant confirmed that he had received the request and responded to it. "I received a letter yesterday regarding a meeting request, and I responded to it last night, outlining the reasons why I will be unable to meet," he said. VIDEO | Delhi: Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant on the INDIA bloc's protest march says, "I received their letter yesterday and replied to it last night. The letter was dated the day before yesterday. I was away yesterday, so I did not receive it earlier. I responded last… pic.twitter.com/3xhTII7PIL — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 12, 2026 In his letter, the CJI explained that the matters mentioned by the Congress leaders were already pending before the Supreme Court. "At the very outset, it may be noted that the issues referred to hereinabove are already sub judice before the Supreme Court of India," he wrote. He further said that holding a meeting to discuss such matters would be inconsistent with the constitutional framework. "Therefore, convening a meeting to discuss pending cases would wholly contravene the principle of Separation of Powers, an intrinsic facet of the basic structure doctrine of the Constitution of India, and would be incompatible with the established ethics and judicial propriety," the letter stated. What did Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge request Gandhi and Kharge had written to the CJI on Saturday, 10th October, seeking a meeting between 4 pm and 5 pm on Monday, 12th October. They wanted to submit a memorandum raising concerns about Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Election Commission of India. Their letter also referred to the alleged arbitrary arrest of several students, the closure of Metro stations and the cancellation of trains, among other issues. Earlier on Monday, Justice Surya Kant had told reporters that every Indian citizen had the right to approach the courts and that the Supreme Court was open to hearing their concerns. "The Supreme Court's doors are open to everyone. Any petition from any common citizen or member of an elected body is welcome. Every Indian citizen has the right to approach the court, and we will hear their concerns and grant whatever is due under the law," he said. Meanwhile, security arrangements were strengthened across central Delhi ahead of the Opposition's planned march to the Supreme Court. Barricades were put up at several locations, and restrictions were announced at certain Metro stations. iframe{min-width: 0px !important;box-sizing: border-box;}

L ahore [Pakistan] October 12 Pakistan’s persistent fuel price fluctuations have intensified financial pressure on households, with petrol and diesel costs remaining significantly higher despite repeated revisions, exposing the burden of the country’s energy dependence and taxation policies, as reported by The Express Tribune. According to The Express Tribune, petrol prices had increased by Rs 145.13 to Rs 398.30 per litre, while high speed diesel had risen by Rs 139.16 to Rs 396.24. Since daily price adjustments began on July 21, petrol prices have been raised 35 times and reduced 22 times. Diesel rates have witnessed 34 increases and 23 cuts, leaving consumers struggling to manage unpredictable fuel expenses. Petroleum prices previously peaked on April 3, when petrol reached Rs 458.41 per litre and high speed diesel touched Rs 520.35. International crude oil movements, Middle East tensions, import expenses and rupee depreciation have contributed to domestic price volatility. Government levies and taxes further shape retail fuel prices. Official figures indicate petroleum levy collections of approximately Rs1.205 trillion between July 2025 and March 2026, increasing to around Rs1.342 trillion through April. These are cumulative figures for different periods, not separate annual totals. The government has set a collection target of Rs1.676 trillion for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Retail prices incorporate import costs, customs duties, levies and other expenses, meaning international oil price declines do not automatically deliver equivalent savings to Pakistani consumers. Pakistan’s reliance on imported energy adds to the challenge. Approximately 2.001 million tonnes of crude oil were imported during July and August of fiscal year 2026-27. However, crude oil imports must be distinguished from purchases of finished petrol, as cited by The Express Tribune. The impact extends beyond motorists. Expensive diesel raises costs for public transport, freight operators and agricultural machinery, potentially increasing prices of food and other essential commodities. According to figures from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics cited in the report, annual inflation reached 10.26 per cent in September, while monthly inflation stood at 1.27 per cent, as reported by The Express Tribune. Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor